Without exception, everyone who had wandered into the mansion had lost their lives before the sun rose the next morning.
She was the first visitor who had not met this fate.
Over time, Bestia's madness gradually subsided; he even began to seem rather tame. You would hardly believe it was the same beast who had once reveled in those perverse festivities.
He was, I imagine, at a loss for how to behave.
I too would be flustered in the constant presence of such beauty.
But it was not just her appearance; she had said she wished to live with him–a beast who had committed countless atrocities. Perplexing indeed.
—What is the matter?
—Do you honestly not fear me?
—Do I appear to be afraid of you?
—No… y-you do not.
"But you would. If you could see me, you would react the same as everyone else. You would mock me; you would despise me; you would want to kill me. You don't know what I've done, because you can't see. I enjoyed it. I basked in their terror. So why… Why do I not want you to find out? I don't want you to know how many people I've tortured, how many I've slaughtered, how much blood I've imbibed… all the horrible things I've done. "Horrible"? I'm aware that what I've done is wrong? But I relished in it… I wanted… for so long… to slaughter them…. I desperately desired to see blood–human blood… What is it I crave? Murder? Or laughter? I said… that I had no need for peace, yet here I am…"
—Is something the matter?—The White-Haired Girl noticed his presence.
—No, uh, some tea…
—Oh, shall I make some? Are you thirsty?
—No… I made… some tea. It's probably cold by now… I thought you might want some…—The White-Haired Girl said nothing.—Y-You don't…
—No… no, I'll take it. Hehe…—She said with a reassuring smile.
—What are you laughing for?
—Because I'm happy.
—I-Is it to your liking?
—...It's bitter.—She closes her eyes.
Their life together began quietly, their days without event.
They had no extravagant meals; there were no swaths of guests lending life to the mansion's halls. But there was also no one screaming in fear for their life.
It was the peaceful life Beastia had lost.
And he had returned once more to that quiet realm.
—...What's the matter?
—You are always so quick… to notice my presence.
—My world is one of darkness, so I have a heightened sense of hearing.
—What is it like? How do you perceive the world? I cannot imagine living in complete darkness.
—Occasionally, I can see light.
—Light?
—Yes. Not a radiant light, like the sun, but a soft light, floating in the darkness. Like a candlelight, I suppose.
—That… only perplexes me all the more. I find it difficult to understand what you are describing.
—Is that so… It's difficult for me as well. I am not sure how to explain it… But it's not complete darkness. I can sense your presence, for instance, and I can tell how windy it is from the way the windows vibrate. And also…—A smile appeared on her face for a second.
—Also?
—I also feel as though I can sense the wavering of emotions.—Her face turned serious.—From fear, intense sorrow, or other similar emotions.
—My… emotions?
—I do not know. I could be yours, and it could be mine. This mansion is a very peculiar place. The candle light is always wavering, and yet it seems somehow stable. It makes me feel as though this is where I belong.
—I don't… think I understand… I am a beast… and so I lack the intelligence.
—But you…
—...I am going to go hunting?
—...Whatever you like. … All right then, um, if you find any fruit, that would be nice.
—Fruit…
…..
—Aha… it's sour. You picked it before it was ripe.
—I-I didn't know. Is that a bad thing? I don't know anything…
—I cannot see, but… if fruit is still green, you are not supposed to eat it yet. What color are these?
—...Gree–No, blue.
—Hehe…—She half-closed her eyes.—Shall I give you a hand preparing supper?
—I cannot ask for help of someone who can't see. You'll hurt yourself.
—Don't worry. I can tell, for the most part, where things are by touch and sound.—As Bestia responded with silence, her face turned more serious.—Are you worried?
—Worried? Worried… Wor-ried…
"The thought of blood dripping down her finger… doesn't excite me. What on earth had happened to me?"
—If I appear to be in any danger of harming myself, please let me know. Then you have nothing to worry about. You do not seem any more comfortable in a kitchen than me.
—She always cooks the–... Where did she go?
—Huh?—She seemed somewhat confused.
—She always comes when I call…
I had hidden myself away.
Bestia had learned how to go about his daily life without my assistance, and the two of them had no need of others in their peaceful world.
Oh my. What is the matter, Master?
Hehe… I was not lonely at all, no. It was an absolute pleasure simply watching them.
I mean that.
It was not my role to be at his side, nor was I the one to be at hers.
If she could make Bestia into the master of the house, then my presence was unnecessary.
I appear when I am needed, as I appeared to serve the flaxen-haired family. Nothing more.
If they sought a servant, then would I show myself.
Yes, certainly.
After some time, they began to sleep in the same bed.
Oh dear, no… not for the reason you are imagining, Master.
You thought no such thing? Hehe…
Though they slept in the same bed, they did not lay together.
They did so, it seemed, because they were more comfortable in the same place. The two acted more like family than lovers.
—Hey… Hello? Are you asleep?
—No, I am awake.
—Is the candlelight wavering?
—Right now… it is very calm.
—I see… Say, tell me about your childhood.
—What…? Me?—She seemed somewhat confused.
—Won't you?
—My… childhood?
—Yes. I have no such stories to tell.—She responded with silence.—When I was a child… I lost everything. My mother, father, brothers, everyone… So I…
—For as long as I can remember, I did not have a father.—She interrupted him.—I lived alone with my mother, but I never felt kike that was a bad thing.
—Was she kind?
—Yes, very…—A small smile tugged on her lips.—She was a compassionate woman. But we were poor.—Serious expression returned.—and because I cannot see, my mother was the only one who could work. She would be away for long stretches of time, supposedly because she served at a respectable house. I do not know… whether or not that was true. Perhaps she was doing much more demanding work. I never asked. I believed not asking was best for her. From time to time, I would receive letters from her. Someone who lived nearby read them to me. The letters went something like this: "Life in the mansion is difficult, but everyone treats me so well, and they say I do good work. I'll be back with more money soon, so you be a good girl." Other than that, she allegedly expressed concern for my health and safety, as well as repeatedly saying how much she loved me.
—You have a good mother.
—I did… Nearly everything I remember my mother saying to me was written in her letters. So, so much kindness and warmth.
—Why do you not live with her now? How did you end up here in the mansion?
—Before long… she lost her life at her place of employment, and I was sent the money she had earned. It was, I imagine, enough to survive on. When my mother was alive… she often lamented my blindness. "If only you could see," she would say, "I could show you just how extraordinary this world is." So I decided I would visit a renowned physician in order to fulfill my mother's dream. A physician in this country. However… upon examining me, he said that he could not restore my sight. Dejected, I was on my way back home when bandits attacked. They robbed me of the money I brought to pay for my treatment. I lost everything my mother saved for me–the money she gave her life to earn for me. I failed to repay her for anything she did, which cast a dark cloud over my heart. My world has always been wrapped in darkness, but at that moment, I was in the deepest abyss–there was not even a speck of light. I was at a complete loss. With nowhere to go, I simply wandered, no destination in mind. And that was when I miraculously arrived at this mansion. It was as if it had summoned me here.
"You were being summoned. By the mansion, to fulfill my craving. But it didn't end up that way. I wonder if the mansion is disappointed…"
—I see…—Bestia said calmly.
—I apologize…—She spoke after a small silence.—for not having a brighter tale to tell. I imagine you were hoping to hear joyful childhood memories?
—No… Did they hurt you?
—Pardon?—She didn't understand his words at first.
—The bandits.
—You are so compassionate.—A smile appeared on her face.
—I am no such thing. I am not… compassionate…
—I was perfectly fine. I took a few scratches, but nothing you need to worry about…
—I see…
—I believe…—Her face turns serious.—that I am happy now.—A smile returns back.—I was unable to regain my sight, and I haven't the money to return home… but I believe I left in order to come here. Is your life, right now, happy?
—I…—He spoke after some silence.
"am terrified. Am volatile. Am growing accustomed to this woman's comfort. Am afraid of losing her. A beast should not have these feelings… A murderous beast…"
—...Take this.
—What is…
—It makes a good gift, supposedly. I was planning to throw it out when I learned that… but I couldn't. I felt like I was meant to give it to someone. That could only be you. It is a fake white rose.
—...A white rose accessory.
—Do you not want it?
—No, no, I do… I just, for some reason… Never mind.—She smiled again.—Thank you. I appreciate it.
…..
Do you not desire more prey?
But you were so hungry for blood before.
"I've had enough… I don't need any more. Although she is blind… no, because she cannot see, she does not push me away. She's the only one willing to accept me, to be with me."
Such a fickle creature.
You obtain peace, cast it aside, and then pick it up once more.
But you'll never be able to escape it completely.
After all–
you are enchanted by the pleasure murder brings.
You have been for a very, very long time…
"This time… This time I'm done. I won't kill anyone anymore. Being with her is far more satisfying… than the joy killing brought me. To be with her is what I truly want!"
So very self-centered.
—You certainly are. Hey–
It was as though he was viewing a flashback.
The sound of knocking echoed through the mansion, as it had the day the Merchant came and brought the beast's short-lived peace crashing down.
—What did I just tell you?! I do not want any more prey! Stop this… Stop it! Don't bring me any more! I thought you were supposed to fulfill my desires! Why did the door open?!
Sword in hand, Bestia ran through the mansion's halls. He was overcome with fear.
He had obtained the peace he so dearly wanted, and even found someone who did not fear him; he was terrified that the appearance of more prey would cause this all to crumble.
If he spotted the prey, murdered them, and conceded to his madness, she might choose to leave him.
As much as she claimed he was not hideous, if she witnessed him doing that…
—I'll just chase them out… I'm done with this! My desire has changed!
However–
—Ah… aah, aaAAAAaaaah… Wh-Wh-Wh-Why… Whyyyy?
Bestia shuddered in terror at the sight.
—**************
—S-Stay baaaack!
—****************
—Stay away from meeee!
He broke into a run.
—Hahh, haaaah… haah… aah… aaaah!
It was not, after all, helpless prey that had entered the mansion.
—That's… That thing is–!
—**********************************
The monster's voice seemed to slither along the floors behind him. He felt as though, if he were to turn around, it would be right there on top of him.
—Why are you chasing me?!
Besta shouted with fear in his voice, uncharacteristic of the beast who had so readily slaughtered his prey.
But can you blame him?
—That's… That's… a bestia!
In that moment, I had an epiphany.
I had assumed he had called himself "bestia" unaware of what the word meant.
—A bestia other than me–!
"Bestia" is not, in fact, a name. It is a word that means "beast."
Indeed, a second beast had come to the mansion.
—Why! Are you! Chasing me?! Are you here to kill me?! Is it because I settled down? Because I wanted to stop being a beast?! Aaaah–
—Is… something the matter?
When the White-Haired Girl poked her head out of her bedchamber, Bestia was aghast. He frantically attempted to return her to her room.
—Y-You mustn't leave your room!
But as he was doing this, the horrifying creature–no, the beast's voice drew nearer.
—Um…?
—Do not open this door, for any reason! I will… I will protect you!
"That's right… That's right, I don't want this peace destroyed! These tranquil days together with this woman… I will protect them. I will."
Trembling in fear, Bestia gathered his resolve.
He pointed his sword–which until then had only been used to torment others–at the second beast.
Now, he would wield his blade to protect the person he cared about.
This was the same beast who killed and killed and killed to satisfy his own primal desires.
—I will not let you destroy this… I will protect it from you!
From a rational point of view, the things he was saying and feeling were rather idealistic, but Bestia was desperate.
He did not want to lose this peace.
Before long, the beast–the one chasing him–appeared from within the darkness.
—**********
—Nnh… mnh… ngh… aaaaaaaah!
Say, Master… If resolve was the only thing necessary for one to act courageously, would that not mean nearly anyone could become a hero?
—Hah, aah, aaaaaaaaaaaah!
—**********************
Bestia had viciously slaughtered so many people before. He had gathered the courage to protect the things he cared for.
But now, he was shaking. He did not gallantly bring his sword down upon the approaching beast; instead, he trembled visibly from head to toe.
He must have been quite terrified at the beast's appearance.
—********
—Stop, no, stay away from me… Don't! Stay back!
—*******************************
Seeing Bestia so scared, I imagine the beast thought it a prime opportunity, for it slowly, ever so slowly ambled toward him.
—**********************************
—Aah… aaaahhhh… aaaaaaaahhhh…!
"If I don't kill it, it will kill me! I have to kill it I have to kill it I have to kill it I have to kill it I have to kill it I have to kill it!"
And that was the moment Bestia's mind ran off the rails of sanity.
"Kill, kill, KILL, KILL, KIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIILLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL!"
He lifted his sword up above his head, facing the approaching beast–
—GrrrraaaaaaaaaaaaAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH! AaaaaaaaAAAAAAAAaaaaaaaaaaaaAAAAAAAAaaaah!
–and ferociously–
—AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!
–swung it down upon his assailant.
—OOOOOOaaaa*aaaaAAAAAAAAaaaaaaaaaaaa*aaaaAAAAaaaa**aaaaaaaah!
Again, and again, and again.
—Aaaa****aaaa**aaaaaaaaaaaa**aaaa****aaaaaaaa**aaaaaaaah!
Screaming, horrifically, at the top of his lungs.
—A****, AAAA****, AAAA******AA*************AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!
He continued, swing after swing, until the other beast had gone completely still.
—*****, A*****, A**A******A*******AA**********AAAAAAAAAAHHHH! Ahh… aaaah… aaaaaaaah… aaaahhhh…!
Before long, copious volumes of fresh blood stained the corridor.
At some point, the other beast had stopped moving and sunken into a pool of its own lifeblood.
—Hah, hahh… haaaah… I-I did it… I did it. I killed it. I killed the other bestia. Hah, hahaha, hahahahaha… Hah, hah, hahah!
—**** *** ***
Bestia had let his guard down, assuming he had claimed victory over the unmoving beast.
I had not imagined, either, that the beast could still be alive after shedding so much blood.
—* * * *
—S-Stay back…
The beast reached its hand out toward Bestia. It was determined to drag him down to the underworld, it seemed.
Slowly sliding along the slippery floor, it dragged itself toward him.
—** * *
Even on its last breaths, it continued reaching for Bestia, fixated on him.
He kicked the beast's hand up into the air, staggering it, and then he–
—BURN IN HELL!
–rammed his blade down into it.
Bestia's fear-stricken expression was hardly that of a knight who had just saved the maiden.
Nevertheless, he had indeed eradicated the other beast.